Ten business people from Chester and Ellesmere Port are hot footing it to take part in a dance competition for charity .

The six men and four women have signed up for a glittering Strictly Come Dancing challenge to raise cash for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Hayley Whatling, of RBS Ellesmere Port, Carol Bate, of Tarporley-based Hugo and Otto, Helen Watson, of Aaron & Partners solicitors and Jayne O’Gorman, of Azzure Travel will take steps to compete with Phil McKeown, of Hillyer McKeown solicitors, Simon Brander, of Multisol, Christian Lindley, of Jigsaw Law, Kevin McIntosh, of Humphreys of Chester estate agents, Mark Black, of Engageweb and Mike Caulfield, of Caulmert LTD in the four-month challenge to learn to dance Strictly-style.

Phil said: “I agreed to take part because it seemed like a good fun – if exhausting – way to make some money for Claire House, a charity which has always been close to my heart.

“Also, I have to admit that I like the TV programme and have always wanted to have a bash.”

Professional dancers from Wirral-based dance school Headliners will put the contestants through their paces for the Claire House Does Strictly contest before all ten will perform live at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Saturday April 25.

Organiser Angella Rawsthorne, of Claire House, said: “The amateur dancers have bravely taken up the gauntlet and will be the first to take part in this new event.

“All of the ten participants are great supporters of Claire House and we can’t wait to see their performances. It’ll be a fabulous night for a wonderful cause.”

Joining the couples on stage will be members of Claire House staff and supporters from the Cheshire Business Network who will take part in a group dance during the event, sponsored by MBNA.

Claire House Children’s Hospice gives respite care, choice and support to families from Cheshire, North Wales, Merseyside, Isle of Man and West Lancashire when their child is not expected to live to adulthood.

Tickets for the Claire House Does Strictly event are £60 per person and include a two course meal, chocolates and coffee. Please contact Rachel Handley on 0151 343 0883.